Movoto Partners with Grocery Outlet for Second Year to End Hunger in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif., Nov. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- After a turnout that wildly surpassed expectations in their first Thanksgiving Food Drive last year, Movoto Real Estate announced that they are partnering once again with Grocery Outlet stores in Fresno to hold their second annual food drive. Last year, they collected over 2,000 pounds of food and $1,082 in cash donations—enough to provide 9,500 meals to the Fresno community. This year's drive will be held at four Grocery Outlet locations in Fresno and Clovis on Saturday, November 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All non-perishable food and cash donations will go to the Community Food Bank.

"We're so grateful for the partnership and support from Movoto because it really does make an impact in the lives of seniors, individuals, families, and college students," said Denise O Canto, Corporate Relations Manager at Community Food Bank. "Personally, I was overwhelmed by the amazing effort Movoto put forth last year. When I went to collect donations from the office, an entire room was filled with overflowing boxes. It was a true blessing."

Fresno, while one of the top ten producers of fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products in America, is still plagued by high food insecurity rates. Its overall food insecurity rate is 14.4 percent, compared to the US's rate of 13.4 percent. This means that over 138,000 people in Fresno are unsure where their next meal is coming from, an annual food budget deficit of $70.7 million. They have higher rates of food insecurity in children as well—a whopping 29.2 percent compared to California's rate of 22.9 percent and the US's rate of 20.9 percent.

"The scale of the problem can seem daunting," said Movoto's VP of Real Estate Operations, Maximillian Diez, "But if last year was any indication, every little bit counts. To know that what we collected meant 9,500 more people got a wholesome meal last Thanksgiving is really humbling."

Diez continued, "Awareness is half the battle. I think a lot of people aren't aware of the scope of the problem right in their own neighborhood, on their street. By continuing to organize this event, we hope to shed light on an otherwise invisible problem—one that many people are afraid to admit they have."

As a Fresno native, this problem hits especially close to home for Movoto's Fresno Head Area Broker, Javier Cavazos. "I think people have this set idea of what poverty and hunger look like, but hunger comes in many forms. It could be your neighbor who has fallen on hard times, a colleague who is struggling to support a large family, even a close friend who is too embarrassed to share that they are having trouble making ends meet," he explained.

"The Food Bank provides a safe, judgement-free zone and network to get support while they get back on their feet," Cavazos said. "What they're doing for this community is really beautiful."

"I chose to join Movoto this year because I saw something in them beyond advancing my career as a real estate agent. I saw a team that really cares about helping the residents of Fresno," said Cheryl Gonzales, "They are really trying to make a difference in a community that I hold so dear. The outreach we do together and how Movoto tries to give back to Fresno for embracing their presence here has cemented that for me. I'm so proud to be a part of the Movoto team."

"As a father of two children, the idea of any child going hungry, particularly during Thanksgiving, is absolutely heartbreaking," said Diez. "Movoto launched its first brokerage in Fresno because we saw something really special in the community. We saw that kindness and spirit of giving in full force last year during our inaugural food drive, and I'm confident the Fresno community will band together around this wonderful cause again this year."

Food Drive Locations for this Saturday, November 18, 2017:
Grocery Outlet NW Fresno – 3566 W Shaw Ave Fresno
Grocery Outlet Fresno – 1825 E Ashlan Ave Fresno
Grocery Outlet Fresno – 5175 E Belmont Ave Fresno
Grocery Outlet Clovis – 1848 Clovis Ave Clovis
You can also donate to the Community Food Bank by visiting www.communityfoodbank.org or calling 559-237-3663x114.
The Food Bank also accepts in-person donations at their Fresno location:
3403 East Central Ave.
Fresno, CA 93725

About Movoto

Movoto Real Estate was founded on a simple principle: Selling and buying real estate is too complicated. That's why Movoto has dedicated over a decade to simplifying it. From humble beginnings as a three-person startup in 2005, the company has grown to become the second largest online real estate brokerage in the US and the only one licensed in all 50 states. With the backing of Recruit Holdings Co. Ltd., owner of the largest real estate portal in Japan, Movoto has developed a network of over 3,500 real estate agents. Movoto was selected four years in a row for Inc. Magazine's 500|5000 fastest growing private companies. Over 26,000 clients have trusted Movoto agents with buying or selling their home and over 68 million people search for homes on Movoto each year. Learn more at movoto.com.

Contact

MOVOTO REAL ESTATE

movoto.com/sell

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Cynthia Countouris
415-604-4788
press@movoto.com

REAL ESTATE

Maximillian Diez mdiez@movoto.com

SOURCE Movoto Real Estate